5 alleged Abu Sayyaf members surrender in Basilan — AFP

MANILA, Philippines — Five alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have now returned to the folds of the law, the military said on Tuesday.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. said the ASG members who were under the leadership of the late Isnilon Hapilon surrendered in Lamitan City, Basilan on Monday morning.

The five former ASG members who were identified only in their aliases are Nori, 32; Ansar, 44; Dam, 44; Miyo; and Sharim, 30.

The surenderees also turned over their firearms, which include four M1 Garand rifles and one KG9 semi-automatic pistol along with one magazine and five cartridges of 9-mm ammunition, according to Vinluan.

The AFP official said the Joint Task Force (JTF) Basilan will assist the former ASG members to reintegrate in the mainstream society as he expressed optimism that more ASG members will soon surrender.

“We are optimistic that those bandits who are still hiding will soon come out and avail of the programs and projects that the government offers,” Vinluan said in a statement.

JTF Basilan has welcomed a total of 21 ASG personalities who surrendered to the government. Of the 21,18 were regular members and three were supporters of the group, according to the WesMinCom.

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